ABOUT PURI
The dynamic topographical and vegetational strength of Puri have
combined to extract some of the most stunning destinations in the
district and the visitor would do well to prepare himself for a vacation
that will not only be a visual feast but a highly educative and
culturally pleasing in the world . Puri is a land of temples, examples
of a religious architechture. A synthesis of the inherent aesthetic
sense of the Puri's people and the values of the religious sects and
cults.Exquisite temples superb monuments, inviting beaches, natural
landscape.
Puri, the best of ancient and modern India, whose people share a strong
sense of holiness, a sence of belonging with their beautiful land and
their enduring links with the past. Puri offers tourists the rare
oppurtunity of witnessing the colorful sunrise and sunset on the same
beach on its golden sands. Temples and sanctuaries , golden beaches and
glorious lakes that is visually fascinating , crafts that are colourful
and vibrant and the numerous festivals that can take a "Juggernaut
- like " momentum.
Puri
has all and much more for you.... Excellently connected by Air , Rail
and Road ,Puri invites you toits hospitable environs and promises you an
experience you will never forget . When others talk of taking down
memory lane, Puri will take you back to your ancient linkages . When
others talk of Romancing with the stones, her ancient architects and
sculptures will show you what it really means , come to Puri She has
been waiting for you for centuries. Tourists complex and sports:- Puri
being one of the coastal districts of Orissa named after the heritage
city of same name famous for Lord Jagannath. The district has a variety
of monuments epitomizing the evaluation of art and architecture. Nature
has its full beam in the district with unspoilt Sea-beach, lake,
wildlife and hospitable people with traditional crafts. Besides getting
experience with cultural and social lives of Orissa, Tourists may plan
for leisure, cruising, bird and Dolphin watching , sightseeing communing
with nature.
HISTORICAL SETTING OF PURI, THE ABODE OF LORD SHRI JAGANNATH
The city is known by various names such as Nilanchala, Nilagiri,
Niladri, Purusottama Kshetra, Srikshetra, Sankha-Kshetra, Jagannath
Kshetra (Dhaam) and Pirisptta, Puri. These names have been mentioned in
the Puranas and ancient sacred literature like Mahabharata, Kurma
Purana, Narada Puran, Padma Puran and Skand Purana. Similarly, the other
literary works like Rudrajamala, Tantrajamala, Kalika Purana etc., also
refer to Purusottama Jagannath. It is the seat of Jagannath is
worshipped as Lord Vishnu - the most benign among all the deities in the
Hindu Pantheon. Puri is thus, the seat of Vishnu, the Purusottama Dhaam
and Martya Vaikuntha again is the Home of Vishnu on earth, elaborately
described in a literery work called Niladri Mohodaya. The historical
evidebces are available with literery works as well as inscriptions and
archaeological remains show that Puri has been the seat of Vishnu
Kshetra since 9th century A.D., when Sankaracharya (78-820 A.D.) had
paid a visit to Puri in the early part of the 9th Century A.D. and
established one of his four Pithas here namely Gobardhan Pitha or Matha
near Swargadwar. Anargharaghavam Nataka by Murari Mishra, a literery
work of 9th century also records the deity of Purusottama Kshetra.
Again, in 10th Century A.D., the Mahiar inscription mentioned that one
Damodar had undertaken piligrimage to Purusottam Kshetra and drowned in
the Sea-Mahodadhi. However, scholars agreed that the present temple of
Lord Jagannath was initially started its construction by Somavamsi King
Yayati. The Ganga King Ananta Varma Chodaganga Deva (1078-1150 A.D)
towards 1147 A.D. rebuilt it with a massive tower and again Ananga Bhima
Dev II (A.D. 1170 to 1194) 4th successor to Ganga throne also enhanced
it. The Ganga dynasty ruled Orissa from 1078 to 1434 A.D. and made Puri
a cultural centre. Puri was regarded a celebrated Pitha, and the saints
and seers paid their visit to Puri. In course of time Saint Ramanuja
(1056-1136 A.D.) the advocate of Visistadaita philosophy, saints like
Nibark, Vishu Swami and Madhabacharya paid their visit to Puri and
established their monasteries. The great poet Jaydev of Orissa in 12thy
century, composed the famous work Gita-Govindam, dedicated to Lord
Jagannath as Krishna - Madhava. In 13th century Narasimha Muni, a
follower of Madhavacharya preached Vaisnavisim in Orissa and Puri became
the centre of Vaisnavism under the patronage of the Ganga - Kings.
